The S8/i are cutting edge, state-of-the-art high speed full frame lenses motivated by feedback from cinematographers wanting to create more realistic and film-like images with spherical lenses for digital motion capture. An evolution of The Cooke Look, S8/i produces breathtakingly beautiful images with an almost organic feel.
With S8/i, Cooke has focussed on optimising contrast performance. Good resolution is of course vital with a modern lens but, crucially, human perception of resolution is tied to contrast.
Supercharged T-Stop
With a maximum aperture of T1.4 the S8/i FF lenses are amongst the very fastest produced for large format capture. Creative possibilities around depth of field and low light shooting become plentiful and accessible.
A balanced approach to sharpness and smooth focus fall off leads to clear subjects and smooth backgrounds with this separation creating a greater sense of depth in a 2D image. Whilst the depth of field employed by the cinematographer may be very narrow it is also forgiving – rolling through focus rather than “snapping”.
All-spherical composition
Under the body, S8/i FF is an all-spherical design which produces a near telecentric output of the light rays which is very efficient for digital imagers. Spherical elements hold their alignment better than aspheres making maintenance and servicing less complex.
Other benefits include smooth, spherical bokeh, free of onion or tree rings enabling cinematographers to create sensitive and emotional images with a high degree of dimensionality.
Immersive Close-Ups
S8/i FF lenses offer superb and uniform performance from infinity to close focus. Similar minimum marked object distances across the range ensures smooth and beautiful close-ups are always possible and there is no image deterioration at closer distances.
When combined with the lenses’ T1.4 maximum aperture, incredibly intimate shots are possible – with subjects isolated within the frame for dramatic prominence and powerful connection.
For extreme close-ups and specialist macro work Cooke’s three way set of macro lenses perfectly complements the look of the S8/i FF with matching image circle, colour and performance.
Elegant bokeh
S8/i FF utilise nine leaf irises for smooth edged bokeh along with optimal vignetting which gives symmetrical bokeh shape. Impressively the control of the optical design is such that the bokeh shape remains the same for all focal lengths.
Bokeh blossom beautifully – smooth and natural. They are round in the centre of frame and take on a cat’s eye oval shape when off-axis.
Faithful images
S8/i FF lenses are precise but never prescriptive and offer salvation in quality. They render beautiful images whilst being incredibly responsive to a cinematographer’s personal style.
Flat field imaging means distortions are limited and illumination is incredibly consistent across the whole range of focal plane distance. Flares are controlled but pleasing and focus breathing is minimised.
Complimentary to contemporary filmmaking
Lateral colour fringing is exceptionally well corrected and minimised inside of S8/i FF lenses to a near apochromatic level. There are no halo’s around bright objects that can otherwise become exaggerated – especially with digital capture.
Along with creating more pleasing images this also benefits productions employing LED walls and streamlines VFX pipelines.
Full Frame plus
S8/i FF comfortably cover an image circle of 46.3mm with exceptional illumination and minimal shading across the entire field.
Cinematographers can choose their sensor flavour based on taste rather than coverage as S8/i FF covers the latest cameras from many manufactures including Red Monstro, Sony Venice and Arri Alexa LF.
Lens design pedigree
S8/i FF is the brainchild of lauded lens designer Iain Neil, Cooke’s Chief Optics Advisor. Neil has led a number of projects at Cooke, such as Anamorphic/i and has a long history of developing flagship cine lenses including the Panavision® Primo series.
As part of the S8 development process Neil undertook a huge study to ensure the lenses’ contrast performance is maximised to suit the actual resolution of the digital cameras of today and for many years into the future. Neil received the Gordon E. Sawyer Award – Oscar® Statuette in 2023 for his “substantial, extensive and innovative lens designs.”
